Liverpool 3-0 AFC Bournemouth: Salah Scores His 40th Goal Of The Season As Reds Continue Their Fine Form

Liverpool’s incredible journey through to the Champions League semi-finals made their Premier League fixture vs AFC Bournemouth at Anfield a less discussed one. The game, however, still held much significance in the top-4 race as the Reds are yet to ensure a Champions League berth for next season.

Liverpool, as expected, were in complete control from the very beginning and should have had a lead within minutes which Mohamed Salah, surprisingly, struck wide. However, the Reds did not have to wait any longer as Sadio Mane earned them an early break at around the 7th-minute mark. His header from Jordan Henderson’s cross was saved by Asmir Begovic only to be converted by the Senegalese from the rebound. The first-half ended at 1-0.

The second-half was not much different either as the Reds kept on creating pressure, particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was sensational all evening with his sublime crosses. One such effort finally got its reward when Mohamed Salah scored with a looping header to make it 2-0.

The goal took his tally to 30 in the league and 40 across in competitions. The Reds wasted a few more opportunities but it was Roberto Firmino who scored in the closing minutes following a spectacular counter-attack.

Liverpool Player Ratings

Loris Karius (7)

Had a quiet occasion mostly but pulled off a decent stop late in the game. Also impressed with his outing, punches, distribution and no-nonsense goalkeeping.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (9.5)

The teenager is having an exhilarating campaign and delivered another exceptional performance with sublime crosses and passes all evening. One such effort was converted spectacularly by Mohamed Salah via a looping header and earned the insurance goal for his side in the second half.

Dejan Lovren (8)

The Croatian continued his impressive run with yet another towering defensive display. He was taken off with a suspected injury and was replaced by Ragnar Klavan in the closing minutes.

Virgil van Dijk (8)

The Dutchman maintained his composure with aerial dominance and long passes. The Cherries tried to hit back late in the game but the star defender kept his cool and led his side to retain a clean sheet.

Andrew Robertson (7.5)

The Scotsman had another decent outing with overlapping runs and trackbacks to defend deep. His crosses were not too good but the left-back was a constant threat with his one-twos and link-up play.

Jordan Henderson (8.5)

The skipper was outstanding in the midfield to destroy the opponent’s game. Played his part in Liverpool’s early opener as he found Mane inside the box.

Georginio Wijnaldum (7)

Maintained discipline in the midfield and tried to build the game in the midfield. However, he lacked creativity while going higher up the pitch.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (9)

Another scintillating display from the Englishman as he bullied the Bournemouth backline with his physicality, pacy runs and shooting traits. Worked tirelessly and stride forward on several occasions to constitute counter-attacking threats late in the game. Assisted Roberto Firmino in the closing minutes as the Brazilian made it 3-0 with a composed finish.

Mohamed Salah (8)

Was rushing a bit and played selfishly at times to add more goals to his tally. However, he finally found one in the second half as he scored his 40th goal of the season!

Sadio Mane (8.5)

The Senegalese scored early in the game and terrorised the Cherries defence throughout the first-half. Had a low-key second half and was replaced by James Milner.

Roberto Firmino (8)

Missed one simple opportunity but found the back of the net with a composed finish late in the game before being replaced by Dominic Solanke for few final minutes.

Substitutes

James Milner (7)

Injected fresh legs and impressed with his defensive work rate late in the game when the visitors were pushing hard for a goal.

Ragnar Klavan (6)

Came in for Dejan Lovren. Put in a routine display in the final few minutes of the game.